Wayne Gordon Whitnah

Wayne Gordon Whitnah, 36, of Baker City, died March 18 in Richland.

A memorial mass will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Baker City. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception to be held immediately following the service at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.

Wayne was born Sept. 6, 1972. He grew up in Baker City, attending Churchill and North Baker Elementary schools. He enjoyed playing baseball at Baker Middle School. He was also remembered as a "gentle hearted teacher's aide" at the local preschool during his middle school years. While attending Baker High School he was involved in skiing, rodeo and wrestling. Wayne lived in La Grande briefly.

Those who knew Wayne considered him a gifted chef. They say he could bake and create pastry so easily to everyone's delight. He last worked for Community Connection in Baker City with the senior meal program.

Wayne was always willing to help anyone in need. He loved the outdoors whether it was fishing, hunting, camping or just being out for a hike. Wayne also was known for his baseball hats, of which he had quite a collection.

Wayne is survived by his daughter, Briana Taylor of
La Grande; parents, Warren Whitnah of Richland and Ruth Whitnah of Salem; brothers, Bob Whitnah, Nick Whitnah and Joe Whitnah; sisters, Tymmera Whitnah, Marina Whitnah, Natasha Whitnah and Lylia Whitnah; biological brother, Brian Pelch; and sister-in-law, Kari Whitacre; three nieces; two nephews in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gordon and Edith Pratt, and Harvey and Clarice Whitnah; and uncle, Cal Whitnah.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Eagle Valley Cemetery Beautification Fund or St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School of Salem in care of Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543 Halfway 97834.

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